Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

Scientific Director

Chief Scientific Officer for Clinical Research

Clinical Center

National Institutes of Health

Clinical Center/Scientific Director: The Clinical Center (CC), the major research hospital of the National Institutes of Health (NIH),seeks to identify an outstanding Scientific Director to serve as the Chief Scientific Officer for Clinical Research, in Bethesda, Maryland. The position has responsibilities for oversight of the basic, translational, and clinical research performed by CC investigators while also having trans-NIH responsibilities related specifically to clinical research.  In exerting trans-NIH clinical research responsibilities, the incumbent operates under the authority of the Deputy Director for Intramural Research.

The Chief Scientific Officer for Clinical Research (CSOCR) is a direct report to the CC Chief Executive Officer and a key member of the CC leadership team and advises the hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The CSOCR, in addition to serving as the Scientific Director (SD) for the CC, will also oversee the scientific review of all clinical protocols conducted within the NIH Intramural Program, provide oversight of the strategic planning process for Intramural Clinical Research, and prioritize clinical research conducted at the CC.  

The CSOCR oversees the independent research conducted by research leaders within the NIH CC.  As CSOCR for the CC, the incumbent will oversee the existing budget, including Institute funds supporting the clinical research of CC investigators.  In addition to the budget, the incumbent will oversee the capital equipment inventory supporting the research that is currently valued at $13M.  The CSOCR also maintains responsibility and authority for the budget distribution to CC investigators to assure they continue to engage in the highest quality of scientific research. This responsibility includes coordinating the activities of and responding to the advice of the CC Board of Scientific Counselors. The CSOCR will conduct quadrennial reviews of each independent scientist (currently 22 tenured and 2 tenure track investigators; 3 assistant clinical investigators; and 54 staff clinicians who conduct science as part of their job description). As new CC leaders with research interests are recruited, the CSOCR will work with the CC CEO and the CC Governing Board to assure research resources are available to support the recruits.

The CSOCR will oversee recruitment and professional development of staff; develop and implement new CC research initiatives; and catalyze interactions among CC research groups and between the other NIH Institutes and Centers, academic institutions, regulatory agencies, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and the broader research and patient communities. CSOCR will be responsible for creating and maintaining a nurturing research environment that encourages creativity, collaboration among scientists from different disciplines and organizations, including pediatric patients and providers. The SD is also responsible for effective training of students and postdoctoral fellows, and efficient utilization of resources. Finally, the CSOCR will serve as a frequent spokesperson for CC and translational research.

LOCATION: Bethesda, Maryland

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must possess a Ph.D. and/or M.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree and an established record of outstanding research accomplishments, scientific leadership, mentorship, and service within the basic and/or clinical scientific community. The Scientific Director may supervise their own research laboratory, supported by resources commensurate with the size and scope of their program.

SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the experience of the candidate. A full package of Federal Civil Service benefits is available, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). A recruitment and/or relocation incentive may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid.

Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT/FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: NIH inspires public confidence in our science by maintaining high ethical principles. NIH employees are subject to Federal Government-wide regulations and statutes as well as agency-specific regulations described at the NIH ethics website. We encourage you to review this information. The position is subject to a background investigation and requires the incumbent to complete a public financial disclosure report prior to the effective date of the appointment.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the United States must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation. For more information on foreign education verification, visit the https://www.naces.org website. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners.  In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should submit 1) a cover letter that includes a brief description of research and administrative experience, 2) a current curriculum vitae that includes a bibliography and a description of mentoring and outreach activities, especially those involving women and persons from racial/ethnic or other groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research, 3) the names and contact information of five references, 4) a 1-2 page written vision statement for leading the CC, and 5) a one-page diversity statement that outlines the professional skills, experience, and/or your willingness to engage in activities that would enhance NIH and CC efforts to achieve diversity and equity for gender, race/ethnicity, and disability status.

Questions about the position and applications themselves should be sent via email to: CC_Recruits@cc.nih.gov. All information provided by the candidates will remain confidential and will not be released outside the CC search process without a signed release from the candidate.

Applications will be reviewed starting January 2, 2024, and will be accepted until the position is filled.

DHHS, NIH, and CC are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage applications from women and minorities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must possess a Ph.D. and/or M.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree and an established record of outstanding research accomplishments, scientific leadership, mentorship, and service within the basic and/or clinical scientific community. The Scientific Director may supervise their own research laboratory, supported by resources commensurate with the size and scope of their program.